Window Cleaning in Extreme Heat – How to Achieve Better Results and Stay Safe

A spell of hot, sunny weather may be welcome for most people, but for professional window cleaners it presents a unique set of challenges. High temperatures and direct sunshine can cause your cleaning solution to evaporate before you've had chance to squeegee the glass, leading to smears, drag marks and unnecessary hard work.

Fortunately, a few simple changes to your working routine, together with the right cleaning additives, can make all the difference.

Start Early

During periods of extreme heat, it's worth beginning work as early as possible. Morning temperatures are usually much lower, making the glass easier to clean and the job more comfortable.

If possible, plan your route so that you're always working on the shaded side of a building. Rather than following the same routine every day, work with the movement of the sun to avoid cleaning glass that has already become hot.

Buildings with large areas of glass, such as conservatories, should ideally be cleaned before the sun reaches them. Once the glass has heated up, even the best window cleaning solution can dry remarkably quickly.

Use a Slip Additive

One of the most effective ways to combat rapid evaporation is to add a specialist glide additive to your cleaning solution. These products improve lubrication, allowing the squeegee to move more smoothly across the glass while slowing the rate at which the solution dries. At The Windowclean Centre we stock three popular products:

• Sorbo Glide – A long-standing favourite with professional window cleaners, improving slip and helping the squeegee glide effortlessly across the glass.
• Winsol Super Slip – Designed to increase lubrication and extend working time, particularly useful during hot weather.
• Titan Glass Gleam Glide – Helps reduce drag and improves the movement of the squeegee while giving you those valuable extra seconds before the solution begins to dry. 

While none of these products can completely overcome the effects of intense summer sunshine, they can make window cleaning noticeably easier and help produce a cleaner, streak-free finish.

Look After Yourself

Working in prolonged high temperatures can be physically demanding, so your own wellbeing should always come first.

A few sensible precautions include:

•  Wear lightweight clothing that covers your skin.
•  Protect your head with a wide-brimmed hat or cap.
•  Apply a high-factor sunscreen to exposed skin and reapply it throughout the day
•  Drink plenty of water or other soft drinks to stay hydrated.
•  Avoid alcohol before or during the working day, as it contributes to dehydration. 
•  Take regular breaks in the shade whenever possible. 

Heat exhaustion can develop surprisingly quickly, so don't ignore warning signs such as dizziness, headaches, excessive sweating or fatigue.

Work Smarter, Not Harder

 Window cleaning in extreme heat is never ideal, but with careful planning, the right products and a little common sense, you can continue producing excellent results while making the day considerably easier.

Starting earlier, avoiding direct sunshine, cleaning cooler glass wherever possible and using a quality glide additive will all help you maintain the professional finish your customers expect. Most importantly, remember that no job is worth risking your health. Look after yourself first, and the windows will take care of themselves.